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All credit belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Credit for this written piece belongs to yours truly.


007: Hand in Hand


手を携え

Shikamaru isn't one to get physical with anybody. He hardly enjoys a jaw making contact with his first. He doesn't like fighting. He's a coward, and his excuse is intelligence.

Ino is a physical being. She enjoys hugs, and making contact with an enemy boosts her confidence rate. She's not a coward, and her reason is contentment.

With Ino, Shikamaru can always expect a nudge, a smack, an uncalled for embrace, a grab at his arm, and once even a peck on the cheek. Intimacy makes him queasy, and he doesn't know how to deal with it. But when it comes to Ino, there is no avoiding it.

So, it's not much of a surprise when they're walking down the pathway that Ino curls her arms around Shikamaru's. Her face nuzzles into it, and she smirks up at him. He inches away, snatching his arm back. He makes it clear to her that she should keep to herself if she knows what's best, but she only smiles with her hands behind her back.

Why? she coos out. Your arm is comfortable!

Because I said so, you troublesome woman!

She frowns at this and stares down at his hand. Gently, she lowers her own under his palm. He raises a brow, ready to snap at her. He blinks, feeling the softness of her hand against the rough of his own. And she gives him a small smile, almost as though she's asking him if it's okay. He then releases his tension, sighing in defeat when he feels her fingers curl between the spaces of his fingers.

And while he doesn't like to admit it, he feels a dwelling of contentment. And he feels a warmth in his cheeks.

At this very moment, he only throws his head back to stare at the sky with a rare smirk.

And Ino soon finds her eyes widen when his fingers curl between hers, as well.


手を携え